African Spider Lily (Lycoris africana)

Golden spider lily Yellow spider lily Yellow hurricane lily

Lycoris africana (Golden Spider Lily) - Description & Distribution

The vibrant golden blooms of Lycoris africana, commonly known as the golden spider lily, distinguish this bulbous perennial native to East and Southeast Asia. Its striking seasonal appearance occurs on bare stems after the spring or summer foliage has completely withered.

Taxonomy

  • ∟ царство Plantae
  • ∟ division Tracheophytes (Vascular Plants)
  • ∟ subdivision Spermatophytes (Seed plants)
  • ∟ Angiosperms
  • ∟ monocots
  • ∟ order Asparagales
  • ∟ family Amaryllidaceae (Amaryllis family)
  • ∟ subfamily Amaryllidoideae
  • ∟ tribe Lycorideae
  • ∟ genus Lycoris (Spider Lily)
  • ∟ species Lycoris africana (African Spider Lily)

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Morphology

Lycoris africana grows from a subterranean bulb. The glaucous, fleshy leaves emerge in autumn, measuring 30 to 60 centimeters in length and 15 to 24 millimeters in width.

An erect flowering scape reaches a height of 30 to 60 centimeters, holding 4 to 7 trumpet-shaped yellow flowers. The individual blossoms are characterized by:

  • Tepals: Measuring 5 to 6 centimeters long, recurved, and having wavy margins.
  • Stamens: Prominently long and extending significantly beyond the perianth.

Flowering season

Late summer to autumn

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Applications

Ornamental gardeners value Lycoris africana for its dramatic late-summer color in borders and rockeries. However, cultivation requires caution due to the presence of toxic alkaloids throughout the plant tissues.

Interesting facts

The common name "hurricane lily" reflects the plant's habit of bursting into bloom shortly after heavy late-summer rainstorms. Botanists recognize two varieties:

  • var. africana: Features stamens slightly exceeding the tepals.
  • var. angustitepala: Features narrower tepals and much longer stamens.

Geography of distribution

  • China
  • Japan
  • Myanmar
  • Taiwan
  • Vietnam

Sources

  • Plants of the World Online (POWO)
  • World Flora Online (WFO)

Technical Information

External Databases: GBIF, POWO, Tropicos

See also

Orange Spider Lily

Orange Spider Lily

Lycoris sanguinea

An orange-flowered deciduous perennial native to East Asia, famous for its toxic bulbs and synchronized …

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